How to Block a Monologue for an Acting Audition

If what you’re saying doesn’t jive with what you’re doing during an audition, then you’re not believable and you’re not going to get the part. Actions speak louder than words, as they say, so here are some tips on how to block a monologue for an acting audition.

Instructions

1. Read in its entirety the piece from which you’ve taken the monologue. It’s critical that you understand what the character has been going through–and what she’s felt–up to the point in her life that you will be interpreting. It’s in that emotional place (and posture) that you want to start.

2. Memorize the monologue and practice delivering it to an acting partner so that you can react to his reactions instead of “reactions” you’re imagining coming from the wall. Do not “think” about blocking during this process. However, do make note of the body movements and facial expressions that naturally develop. You may even ask your acting partner to make note of any movements or expressions that were especially effective.

3. Go through your monologue line by line and identify the different emotions expressed throughout, from joy to fear to sadness. Note emotional transitions as well. Your blocking should reflect these emotions and transitions–in your posture, in your face and in your movement across the stage.

4. Continue rehearsing your monologue with your new revelations from Step 3 in mind, making adjustments, as necessary, to the blocking that you already developed naturally. Though you will find that many of your initial instincts were right on, there will probably be some places where you need to make changes to better communicate the emotion.

5. End your monologue closer to your auditioners than where you started. So remember to leave room for that when choosing your spot to begin the audition. Always end your monologue with a different emotion than when you started–ideally, one that reflects a wide character arc–and your blocking must be a reflection of that.

Tips & Warnings

• As important as it is to rehearse your blocking, the only thing critical for you to memorize are your lines. Don’t get thrown off if you forget to put your hands on your hips here or point at your focal point there. Your auditioners don’t know what blocking you had planned, so just go with the flow. Chances are what you’re doing in the moment is more believable anyway.

• Always choose a focal point just above your auditioners’ heads. This is the character you are speaking to. If you rehearsed with an acting partner, simply imagine that they are standing at this focal point. Just remember to never look your auditioners in the eyes during the monologue.

• Moving toward the person you’re speaking to is a sign of aggression. Moving away from them is a sign of retreat. In other words, if your character is angry, try moving closer to your focal point. If your character is scared, move away.